AELAB BPM-200 Continuous Particulate Monitor – Real-Time PM Measurement

The AELAB BPM-200 Continuous Particulate Monitor is a beta gauge instrument that measures real-time particulate mass concentration for environmental and industrial air quality programs. Using a fixed 16.7 L/min sample flow and reference film calibration, the BPM-200 quantifies PM with high accuracy and stability across selectable ranges up to 10 mg/m³. With optional PM2.5 cyclone separation, the monitor supports regulatory PM2.5 testing and continuous surveillance in urban networks and research-grade stations.

⚙ Design & Construction

• Integrated vacuum sampling draws air onto a glass fiber filter tape that advances automatically for continuous operation up to 60 days.
• A sealed measurement path positions the tape between a C14 beta source and a photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector for stable counting.
• Rigid enclosure with LCD user interface provides status, diagnostics, and averaged results from 1 minute to 365 days.
• Flow controller achieves 16.7 L/min with ±1% F.S. accuracy and ≤±2%/24 h stability (optional).

🔬 Working Principle / Testing Method

The AELAB BPM-200 applies beta ray attenuation gravimetry. As collected particles accumulate on the moving filter tape, they attenuate beta radiation transmitted from the C14 source to the PMT. The reduction in count rate is proportional to deposited mass. The instrument calculates particulate concentration by dividing the measured mass by the precisely metered sample volume, delivering real-time PM values. Installing a cyclone enables PM2.5 size-selective sampling before filtration.

💡 Key Advantages

• EPA-equivalent beta attenuation method for defensible reporting.
• 0.1 μg/m³ resolution and ≤2% accuracy with low drift.
• Automatic tape advance for continuous up to 60 days operation.
• Reference film calibration improves long-term comparability.
• User-selectable measurement cycles to match site objectives.
• Comprehensive alarms and continuous self-diagnostics for uptime.

🔗 Connectivity & Integration

The BPM-200 integrates with supervisory systems through RS232/RS485/Ethernet and analog outputs (0–5 V, 4–20 mA). Digital I/O and relay contacts support sampler control, status signaling, and external device interlocks. Optional GPRS and serial printer expand field reporting and local record keeping.

🧠 Model Insight

The AELAB BPM-200 suits long-term fixed stations requiring unattended operation. Selectable ranges ((0–1) to (0–10) mg/m³) and configurable averaging (1 min to 365 days) allow deployment from urban background monitoring to industrial perimeter surveillance. The C14 source provides stable emission with low maintenance, and the PMT ensures sensitive detection for fine particulate trends.

🧪 Testing Applications

• Ambient PM2.5/PM10 monitoring in air quality networks.
• Industrial hygiene and perimeter dust compliance tracking.
• Research on aerosol dynamics, pollution episodes, and source apportionment.
• Regulatory screening with reference film calibration for auditability.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

The AELAB BPM-200 Continuous Particulate Monitor follows US EPA equivalent method practices for beta attenuation mass measurement. Each unit is delivered with calibration documentation and functional verification (flow, tape advance, detector counts). AELAB maintains GLP-style procedures for traceability, supporting consistent data quality in continuous particulate monitoring.